Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has told the club's website that it's essential they start the season well in order to be in a good position to meet their objectives come the second half of the season.

The Brazilian feels that last season the start ultimately cost the Reds - given they were 13th in the Premier League by mid-November, and has suggested they need some positive results from their difficult games away from home at the start of next season.

Liverpool open up the season with a trip to the Britannia Stadium, where they were thumped 6-1 by Stoke City on the final day of the season and then play all of the five sides that finished above them in the league table last season, as well as making the short journey to Goodison Park in the meantime. If their start isn't the best, the season could have a miserable look to it by November.

"The second part of the season we played well and we won a lot of games but the beginning of the season wasn't good enough. With the new signings as well, it's always exciting but we just need to see how the group develops in pre-season and start on the front foot.

"Our first seven away games are hard and we will have to start well otherwise by December we won't be in a good position."

If the Reds can manage around two points per game going into the second half of the season, they would be firmly on course for a shot at the top four, and with their customary good run of form that comes around January/February time, the start could certainly be a good foundation for the season to come.

An improvement is essential for manager Brendan Rodgers who is under pressure after last season's sixth-place finish, with no trophies to show for their efforts.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.